It's time to dress your style

9 to 5 Dressing and Beyond

When there's no time for an outfit change, you've got layering and accessorizing...

The hibernation is over and summer is in full swing!! With warmer weather comes a lot more to do and I for one am taking full advantage of the sun after the horrific winter we had on the East Coast. I find that I'm running around a lot more with so many different activities throughout my day and I have absolutely no time to stop and change. Even when I'm on vacation and I'm supposed to be "relaxing" my days are still jam packed. An afternoon of sight-seeing could easily take me right into dinner and really, who has time to schedule in a stop at the hotel...

Then of course, there's a "normal" work day. Work, to afternoon activities, to dinner to home. Again, when is there time to stop at home and change? So, what do I do? I rely on comfortable clothing items (after all, you're in them all day) and layer and accessorize. Here are some tips on how you can extend your wardrobe to take you from 9 to 5 and beyond.

As an example, I'll use the day I had yesterday. My morning was, as usual, insane.. But, I laid my clothes out the night before so I saved a lot time. (Click here for info on this time saving tip). Dropped my daughter to camp and I was off to a small business meeting. This part of my day required a professional look. So I turned to my trusty black pants (a must have!) and comfy yet polished layered t-shirt and cardigan. I also added some fun accessories- a long necklace, earrings and trend right cuff bracelets. Nude color flats rounded out the outfit. Cardigan not your thing? Use a blazer or jacket. T-shirt not your thing? Use a short sleeve or sleeveless blouse. Would never wear a flat shoe? Trade those out for comfortable wedges.

From there headed to the office. I had no other appointments, but a ton of work so I could relax a bit. Still in "work mode" I did leave the cardigan and earrings on, but the necklace & bangles came off.

Time to pick up the little one from camp and shuttle her around to her various activities. Then to dinner. So, off came the cardigan and earrings and on came the sunglasses.

The day had come to an end and I finally changed. This time into my PJ's :) and caught up on all my fashion magazines.

While this example reflects a work day- you can still translate layering, accessorizing and comfortable dressing to most daily situations. Whether it's a day on vacation, going from a play date to date night, from work to dinner with friends or out on a date.

Now I'd love to hear from you. What are your tips on dressing from 9 to 5 and beyond?

Please share your comments below.

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